Method and structure for supporting data streaming by a SCSI initiator during the data in phase of the packetized SCSI protocol

ABSTRACT

A method for supporting data streaming by a SCSI initiator includes receiving a data packet information unit in a Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase. The SCSI initiator also receives a signal in said Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase to indicate whether a header packet information unit or another data packet information unit is to be received next in said Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to data transfers over an I/Obus, and more particularly, to Packetized SCSI Protocol Data transfers.

2. Description of Related Art

Prior to the Packetized SCSI Protocol, the SCSI Protocol utilized thewell-known SCSI bus phases, Message Out, Message In, Command, Data Out,Data In, and Status to exchange information and data between a SCSIinitiator and a SCSI target over a SCSI bus. Performance improvementsthroughout the revisions of the SCSI Protocol have been primarily in thedata phases. Consequently, information can be transferred between theSCSI initiator and the SCSI target at a very much higher rate in thedata phases than in any of the other SCSI phases.

To capitalize on the higher data throughput during the SCSI data phases,the Packetized SCSI Protocol specifies that all information exchangedbetween a SCSI initiator and a SCSI target is done via packets, calledinformation units (IU), in either the Data In or the Data Out phasesexclusively. Originally, each data packet, referred to herein as a datapacket information unit, was immediately preceded by a header packet,referred to herein as a header packet information unit. The headerpacket information unit contained information about the immediatelyfollowing data packet information unit, such as the length of the datapacket information unit.

According to the Packetized SCSI Protocol, data transfers from a SCSIinitiator, sometimes referred to as initiator, to a SCSI target,sometimes referred to as target, were initiated by the targettransferring a header packet information unit to the initiator via theData In phase. The header packet information unit was basically arequest by the target for the initiator to fetch data from the host fortransfer to the target. After sending the header packet informationunit, the target switched the SCSI bus phase to Data Out and awaited thedata.

Data transfers from the target to the initiator were also initiated bythe target transferring a header packet information unit to theinitiator via the Data In phase. This header packet information unitbasically was a request by the target for the initiator to prepare theinitiator's data path for transfer of data from the target to the hostsystem. After sending the header packet information unit, the targetremained in the SCSI bus phase Data In and immediately after sending theheader packet information unit could start transferring data to theinitiator.

The target sometimes broke a data transfer up into multiple data packetinformation units, for example, to facilitate target buffer management.For example, at the beginning of a 16 Kbytes data transfer from theinitiator to the target, the target may have had only 4 Kbytes of bufferspace available to receive data. In this case, the target firsttransferred a header packet information unit in the Data In phase thatspecified a data packet information unit length of 4 Kbytes, and thenchanged the SCSI bus phase to Data Out to receive the 4 Kbytes of datafrom the initiator.

During the transfer of the data packet information unit, the target mayhave realized that another 4 Kbytes of buffer space had become availableto receive data. At the end of the first 4 Kbytes data packetinformation unit, the target changed the SCSI bus phase back to Data In,and sent the initiator another header information packet unit requestinganother 4 Kbytes of data, and then changed the SCSI bus phase back toData Out to receive more data.

Similarly, a target could break data transfers from the target to theinitiator up into multiple data packet information units with each datapacket information unit preceded by a header packet information unit. Inthis case, the target kept the SCSI bus phase in Data In throughout thetransfers.

The transfer of each header packet information unit is purelyadministrative overhead, and so consumes SCSI bus bandwidth. Likewise,switches between the Data In and Data Out SCSI bus phases are verycostly in time. Since performance could be significantly improved byreducingthe number of header packet information units and the number ofSCSI bus phase changes, the Packetized SCSI Protocol incorporated datastreaming.

Data streaming in the Packetized SCSI Protocol is representing multipledata packet information units using a single header packet informationunit. Unfortunately, this data streaming is applicable only for datatransfers from the initiator to the target. As described above, withoutstreaming, the initiator always expected the target to change the SCSIbus phase to Data In after receiving a data packet information unit inthe Data Out phase.

With data streaming, a target signals a data streaming request byremaining in the Data Out phase after receiving a data packetinformation unit. This signal tells the initiator to reuse the headerpacket information unit previously received from the initiator totransfer another data packet information unit to the target. Thisdata-streaming scheme eliminated transfer of header packet informationunits between data packet information units in some situations, and alsoeliminated the associated SCSI bus phase changes from Data Out to DataIn and back to Data Out for transfers from the initiator to the target.

According to the Packetized SCSI Protocol, there is no data streamingfor data transfers from the target to the initiator. While severalschemes have been proposed for streaming in this direction, all had poorperformance and so were not adopted.

While the Packetized SCSI Protocol data streaming does reduce overheadfor transfers in one direction, the data streaming does not provide theinitiator any information that helps in prefetching data from the host.To maximize performance, the initiator must always have data in its datapath. If the initiator waited for a request for data from a targetbefore requesting data from the host, a very large delay would beincurred on the SCSI bus. To eliminate this delay, the initiator assumeddata streaming to the target.

Althoughthe initiator anticipated the end of a data packet informationunit based upon the length, the initiator prefetched additional datafrom the host to be ready in the event that the target signaled arequest for another data packet information unit. If the target failedto signal such a request, the prefetched data was wasted, and would haveto be fetched again. Consequently, the host bus utilization was affectedby the wasted prefetching and refetching. Thus, while data streaming dideliminate some SCSI bus overhead, it did not address optimizing systemperformance including host bus utilization.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the principles of this invention, the Packetized SCSIProtocol is extended to facilitate bidirectional data streaming, e.g.,streaming from an initiator to a target, and streaming from a target toan initiator, while facilitating improved host input/output (I/O) busand initiator utilization. In one embodiment of the invention, a methodfor a SCSI target to support data streaming during the Data In Phase ofthe Packetized SCSI Protocol transmits a data packet information unit inthe Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase. The SCSI target alsogenerates a signal during the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase toindicate whether a header packet information unit or another data packetinformation unit is to be transmitted next in the Packetized SCSIProtocol Data In phase. Generating the signal comprises either holdingthe signal in a first state or asserting a signal so that the signalgoes to a second state different from the first state.

In one embodiment, the SCSI target device generates the signal bydriving a signal for a parity signal line of a SCSI bus. In thisembodiment, the SCSI target device asserts the signal to indicate theheader packet information unit is to be transmitted next in thePacketized SCSI Protocol Data In phase.

Hence, with this method, the SCSI target device transmits a headerpacket information unit in the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase,and then transmits a plurality of data packet information units, oneimmediately after another in the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase.The SCSI target device asserts a signal for a SCSI bus line during thePacketized SCSI Protocol Data In phase to indicate transmission ofanother header packet information unit in the Packetized SCSI ProtocolData In phase. Hence, the SCSI target device supports data streaming inthe Data In phase of the Packetized SCSI Protocol.

Hence, in this embodiment of the invention, a SCSI target deviceincludes a target read streaming module configured to perform a methodcomprising:

transmitting a data packet information unit in a Packetized SCSIProtocol Data In phase; and

generating a signal during the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase toindicate whether a header packet information unit or another data packetinformation unit is to be transmitted next in the Packetized SCSIProtocol Data In phase.

In another embodiment, the SCSI target device=includes a target readstreaming module configured to perform a method comprising:

entering a Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase;

transmitting a header packet information unit in the Packetized SCSIProtocol Data In phase;

transmitting a data packet information unit in the Packetized SCSIProtocol Data In phase;

determining whether to transmit another header packet information unitin the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase; and

asserting a signal for a SCSI bus line, during the Packetized SCSIProtocol Data In phase, to indicate transmission of another headerpacket information unit in the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phaseupon determining to transmit another header packet information unit.

Still another feature of this invention is a method and structure forsupporting data streaming by a SCSI initiator during the Data In phaseof the Packetized SCSI Protocol. In one embodiment of this method, theSCSI initiator receives a data packet information unit in the PacketizedSCSI Protocol Data In phase. The SCSI initiator also receives a signalin the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase to indicate whether aheader packet information unit or another data packet information unitis to be received next in the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase.

In one embodiment, the SCSI initiator receives the signal from a paritysignal line of a SCSI bus. The SCSI initiator interprets an assertedsignal to indicate the header packet information unit is to be receivednext in the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase in this embodiment.

Hence, with this method, the SCSI initiator receives a header packetinformation unit in the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase, and thenreceives a plurality of data packet information units, one immediatelyafter another. The SCSI initiator determines whether a signal on a SCSIbus line has been asserted during the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data Inphase to indicate transmission of another header packet information unitin the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase following transmission ofthe plurality of data packet information units. The SCSI initiatorreceives the another header packet information unit in the PacketizedSCSI Protocol Data In phase upon determining the signal has beenasserted. Thus, the SCSI initiator supports data streaming in thePacketized SCSI Protocol Data In

Hence, in this feature of the invention, a SCSI initiator deviceincludes an initiator read streaming module configured to perform amethod comprising:

receiving a data packet information unit in a Packetized SCSI ProtocolData In phase;

receiving a signal by the SCSI initiator in the Packetized SCSI ProtocolData In phase to indicate whether a header packet information unit oranother data packet information unit is to be received next in thePacketized SCSI Protocol Data In phase; and

interpreting an asserted signal to indicate the header packetinformation unit is to be received next in the Packetized SCSI ProtocolData In phase.

Still another feature of this invention includes a method and system fordata streaming during the Data In Phase of the Packetized SCSI Protocol.According to one embodiment of this method a data packet informationunit is transferred in a Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase betweena SCSI target and a SCSI initiator over a SCSI bus. Also, a signal isgenerated on the SCSI bus by the SCSI target in the Packetized SCSIProtocol Data In phase to indicate whether a header packet informationunit or another data packet information unit is to be transmitted nextin the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase to the SCSI initiator.

Hence, with this system, a header packet information unit is transferredfrom the SCSI target to the SCSI initiator in the Packetized SCSIProtocol Data In phase and then a plurality of data packet informationunits are transferred, one immediately after another, from the SCSItarget to the SCSI initiator in the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data Inphase. A signal is generated on a SCSI bus line by the SCSI targetduring the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase to indicatetransmission of another header packet information unit in the PacketizedSCSI Protocol Data IN phase to the SCSI initiator. Hence, this systemperforms data streaming.

With this feature of the invention, a SCSI system includes a SCSI bus; aSCSI target connected to the SCSI bus, where the SCSI target includes atarget read streaming module configured to perform a method comprising:

transmitting a data packet information unit over the SCSI bus in aPacketized SCSI Protocol Data In phase; and

generating a streaming signal on the SCSI bus during the Packetized SCSIProtocol Data In phase to indicate whether a header packet informationunit or another data packet information unit is to be transmitted nextin the Packetized SCSI

Protocol Data In phase; and a SCSI initiator connected to the SCSI bus,where the SCSI initiator includes an initiator read streaming moduleconfigured to perform a method comprising:

receiving the data packet information unit from the SCSI bus in aPacketized SCSI Protocol Data In phase by the SCSI initiator;

receiving the streaming signal on the SCSI bus in the Packetized SCSIProtocol Data In chase indicating whether a header packet informationunit or another data packet information unit is to be received next inthe Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase; and

interpreting an asserted signal to indicate the header packetinformation unit is to be received next in the Packetized SCSI ProtocolData In phase.

The above features of the invention facilitated data streaming in theData In phase of the Packetized SCSI Protocol. Other features of thisinvention, enhance utilization of a SCSI initiator in the Data Out Phaseof the Packetized SCSI protocol. One of these features is a method andstructure for supporting flow control by a SCSI target during the DataOut phase of the Packetized SCSI Protocol.

In one embodiment, a SCSI target receives a data packet information unitin a Packetized SCSI Protocol Data Out phase. The SCSI target generatesa signal during the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data Out phase to indicatewhether another data packet information unit is to be transmitted nextin the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data Out phase. Generating the signalcomprises either holding the signal in a first state or asserting asignal so that the signal goes to a second state different from thefirst state.

In one embodiment, generating the signal includes driving a signal for aparity signal line of a SCSI bus. For example, the SCSI target asserts asignal to indicate that the another data packet information unit is notto be transmitted in the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data Out phase. Hence,with this method, the SCSI target enters a Packetized SCSI Protocol DataOut and supplies a signal on a parity bit line of a SCSI bus line duringthe SCSI Protocol Data Out phase to indicate whether another data packetinformation unit is to be transmitted next.

With this embodiment, a SCSI target device includes a flow controlmodule configured to perform a method comprising:

receiving a data packet information unit in a Packetized SCSI ProtocolData Out phase; and

generating a signal during the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data Out phaseto indicate whether another data packet information unit is to betransmitted next in the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data Out phase.

Another feature of this portion of the invention is a method andstructure for supporting flow control by a SCSI initiator during theData Out phase of the Packetized SCSI protocol. In this embodiment, aSCSI initiator transmits a data packet information unit in a PacketizedSCSI Protocol Data Out phase by the SCSI initiator. The SCSI initiatoralso receives a signal in the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data Out phaseindicating whether another data packet information unit is to betransmitted next in the Packetized SCSI Protocol Data Out phase.

Hence, with this method, the SCSI initiator transmits a plurality ofdata packet information units, one immediately after another, in thePacketized SCSI Protocol Data Out phase. The SCSI initiator alsomonitors a signal level on a parity line of a SCSI bus to determinewhether the transmitting a plurality of data packet information units isto be terminated.

In this embodiment, a SCSI initiator device includes a flow controlmodule configured to perform a method comprising:

transmitting a data packet information unit in a Packetized SCSIProtocol Data Out phase;

monitoring a signal on a parity bit line of a SCSI bus in the PacketizedSCSI Protocol Data Out phase to determine whether another data packetinformation unit is to be transmitted in the Packetized SCSI ProtocolData Out phase; and

interpreting an asserted signal to indicate the another data packetinformation unit is not to be transmitted in the Packetized SCSIProtocol Data Out phase.

Still another feature of this portion of the invention is a method andsystem for flow control during the Data Out phase of the Packetized SCSIProtocol. In this method a data packet information unit is transferredin a Packetized SCSI Protocol Data Out phase between a SCSI initiatorand a SCSI target over a SCSI bus. Also; the SCSI target generates asignal on the SCSI bus by the SCSI target in the Packetized SCSIProtocol Data Out phase to indicate whether another data packetinformation unit is to be accented in the Packetized SCSI Protocol DataOut phase by the SCSI Target. In one embodiment, the SCSI targetgenerates the signal on a parity signal line of the SCSI bus.

Thus, in this embodiment, a SCSI system includes a SCSI bus; a SCSItarget connected to the SCSI bus, the SCSI target comprising a targetflow control module configured to perform a method comprising:

receiving a data packet information unit over the SCSI bus in aPacketized SCSI Protocol Data Out phase; and

generating a flow control signal on the SCSI bus during the PacketizedSCSI Protocol Data Out phase to indicate whether another data packetinformation unit is to be transmitted next in the Packetized SCSIProtocol Data Out phase; and a SCSI initiator connected to the SCSI bus,the SCSI initiator comprising an initiator flow control moduleconfigured to perform a method comprising:

transmitting the data packet information unit from the SCSI bus in aPacketized SCSI Protocol Data Out phase;

receiving the flow control signal on the SCSI bus in the Packetized SCSIProtocol Data Out phase indicating whether another data packetinformation unit is to be transmitted next in the Packetized SCSIProtocol Data Out phase by the SCSI initiator; and

interpreting an asserted signal to indicate that another data packetinformation unit is not to be transmitted in the Packetized SCSIProtocol Data Out phase.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of one embodiment of the SCSI target, SCSIinitiator, and SCSI system that supports flow control and data streamingaccording to the principles of this invention.

FIG. 2A is one embodiment of a process flow diagram for data streamingin a Data In phase of the Packetized SCSI Protocol that is performed bya SCSI initiator, and that is implemented in a target read streamingmodule according to the principles of this invention.

FIG. 2B is one embodiment of a process flow diagram for data streamingin a Data In phase of the Packetized SCSI Protocol that is performed bya SCSI target, and that is implemented in an initiator read streamingmodule according to the principles of this invention.

FIG. 3A is one embodiment of a process flow diagram for flow control ina Data Out phase of the Packetized SCSI Protocol that is performed by aSCSI initiator, and that is implemented in a target flow control moduleaccording to the principles of this invention.

FIG. 3B is one embodiment of a process flow diagram for flow control ina Data Out phase of the Packetized SCSI Protocol that is performed by aSCSI target, and that is implemented in an initiator flow control moduleaccording to the principles of this invention.

In the drawings and the following detailed description, elements withthe same reference numeral are the same element. Also, the first digitof a reference numeral for an element indicates the first drawing inwhich that element appeared.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to the principles of this invention, the Packetized SCSIProtocol is extended to facilitate bidirectional data streaming, e.g.,streaming from an initiator to a target, and streaming from a target toan initiator, while facilitating improved host input/output (I/O) busand initiator utilization.

As explained more completely below, in a Packetized SCSI read datatransfer, e.g., a data transfer from a SCSI target, e.g., SCSI target151 or SCSI target 152, to a SCSI initiator 110, the SCSI target assertsone of an active and an inactive data streaming signal on a line 160 ofSCSI bus 150 during the transfer of a data packet information unit toinitiator 110. Consequently, when initiator 110 receives the completedata packet information unit and the SCSI bus phase remains Data In,initiator 110 samples the data streaming signal on line 160 to determinewhether the target is transmitting a new header packet information unit,or whether the target is sending another data packet information unit asspecified by the previously transmitted header packet information unit.In either situation, initiator 110 correctly processes the nextinformation unit, and data continues to stream across SCSI bus 150 evenwhen the SCSI target must send a new header packet information unit.

Hence, according to the principles of this invention, upon completion ofa data packet information unit transfer from one of SCSI targets 151 and152, the phase of SCSI bus 150 is maintained in the Data In phase, andan auxiliary data streaming signal on line 160 in SCSI bus 150 has beeninitialized to indicate to initiator read streaming module 175 ininitiator 110 whether the next information unit on SCSI bus 150 is aheader packet information unit or a data packet information unit. Inthis way, initiator 110 can distinguish between header packetinformation units and data packet information units while the SCSI busphase remains unchanged. Consequently, this invention further extendsthe Packetized SCSI Protocol to include data streaming from a SCSItarget to a SCSI initiator while the SCSI bus remains in the Data Inphase of the Packetized SCSI protocol.

In another embodiment, the data-streaming signal on line 160 is used toenhance flow control on host system I/O bus 101 and to enhance theperformance of initiator 110 when data is being written to a SCSI targetby SCSI initiator using the Packetized SCSI Protocol.

In one embodiment, as explained more completely below, in a PacketizedSCSI write data transfer, e.g., a data transfer from a SCSI initiator110 to one of SCSI devices 151 to 152 that is the SCSI target, the SCSItarget asserts one of an active and an inactive data streaming signal ona line 160 of SCSI bus 150 during the transfer of a data packetinformation unit by initiator 110, e.g., prior to the assertion of arequest signal REQ by the target device. Consequently, when initiator110 transmits a portion of the complete data packet information unit andthe SCSI bus phase remains Data Out, initiator 110 samples the datastreaming signal on line 160 to determine whether the target hasindicated that the target is ready to receive another data packetinformation unit.

If the target indicates that the target is ready to receive another datapacket information unit, initiator prefetches data from host system 100over host I/O bus 101. Conversely, if the target is not ready to receiveanother data packet information unit, e.g., the target's buffers arefull, initiator 110 does not prefetch data from host system 100.Consequently, initiator 110 utilizes host system I/O bus 101 moreefficiently than in the prior art because initiator 110 only prefetchesdata when the data can be utilized. Also, initiator 110 has an advancewarning that the SCSI target will not accept further data packetinformation units at this, and so can take any required actions morequickly. This enhances the flow control of initiator 110.

Hence, according to the principles of this invention, upon completion ofa portion of a data packet information unit transfer to one of SCSIdevices 151 and 152 by initiator 110, the phase of SCSI bus 150 ismaintained in the Data Out phase, and an auxiliary data streaming signalon line 160 in SCSI bus 150 has been initialized to indicate toinitiator 110 whether the SCSI target is ready to receive another datapacket information unit. In this way, initiator 110 can determinewhether to prefetch additional data from a host system, or whether totake over actions to improve the performance of initiator 110.Consequently, this invention further extends the Packetized SCSIProtocol to include better utilization of host I/O bus 101 andutilization of initiator 110 while streaming data to a SCSI target froma SCSI initiator while the SCSI bus remains in the Data Out phase.

FIG. 2A is a process flow diagram for one embodiment of the operationsperformed by initiator read streaming module 175 in SCSI initiator 110,which typically is a host adapter integrated circuit. Herein, only theoperations in the Packetized SCSI Protocol needed to understand theinvention are described. The Packetized SCSI Protocol is well known tothose of skill in the art and is described for example in “InformationTechnology-SCSI Parallel Interface-3(SPI-3),” T10 Project 1302D, Rev. 13a, American National Standards Institute, New York, N.Y., Jan. 12, 2000,which is incorporated herein by reference as an example of the level ofskill in the art.

FIG. 2B illustrates a process flow diagram for the operations performedby target read streaming module 176 in target 151. Operations in FIG. 29that are complementary to operations in FIG. 2A have the same numericreference number and an added “A.” In FIGS. 2A and 2B, the parts of thePacketized SCSI Protocol necessary to configure SCSI initiator 110 andSCSI target 151 for a read operation have been performed prior to startoperation 202 when SCSI target 151 enters data in operation 204A andchanges the SCSI bus phase to Data In. When the SCSI bus is in aparticular phase, the initiator and target are also said to be in thatparticular phase. In initiator 110, data in operation 204 transfers toreceive header IU operation 206.

As previously described upon SCSI target 151 configuring SCSI bus 150for the Data In phase in data in operation 204A, SCSI target 151transmits a header packet information unit, in transmit header IUoperation 206A, to initiator 110. Consequently, in receive header IUoperation 206, read streaming module 175 receives the header packetinformation unit and configures initiator 110 to receive a data packetinformation unit from target 151 and transfers to receive data IUoperation 208.

Again, as described above, according to the Packetized SCSI Protocol,after target 151 transmits the header packet information unit, target151 transmits the data packet information unit described in the headerpacket information unit in transmit data IU operation 208A. Hence, inreceive data IU operation 208, initiator 110 receives the data packetinformation unit from target 151.

If the phase of SCSI bus 150 changes before the complete data packetinformation unit is received by initiator 110, initiator 110 continuesaccording to the Packetized SCSI Protocol. This is represented in FIG.2A by data in check operation 212, which transfers to continue operation214 if the phase of SCSI bus 150 is other than Data In, and otherwise todata IU complete check operation 216.

If initiator 110 has received a complete data packet information unit,check operation 216 transfers to stream check operation 218 andotherwise returns to data in check operation 212. Operations 212 and 216are not intended to indicate that initiator 110 continually polls theSCSI bus phase and the completion status of the data transfer, althoughthis could be done. Rather, in this invention, two events are ofinterest, the phase of the SCSI bus, and the completion status of thedata packet information unit transfer. When either event happens,initiator 110 takes the indicated action. Otherwise, initiator 110continues to receive data from target 151. Operations 212 and 216, thus,show the actions taken when either event occurs. The particular waythese operations are implemented is not essential to this invention.

In this embodiment, target 151 determines in change head IU checkoperation 277 (FIG. 2B) whether target 151 can use the header packetinformation previously transmitted to initiator 110, or whether target151 needs to transmit a new header packet information unit to initiator110. Typically, target 151 transmits a new header packet informationunit if the available buffer space changes so that a change in the sizeof the data packet information unit transmitted is changed.

If a new header packet information unit must be transmitted, checkoperation transfers to assert streaming request operation 278, andotherwise to data IU complete check operation 216A. Again, as describedabove for initiator 110, SCSI target 151 typically does not continuouslyloop through operations 212A, 277, and 216A, but rather acts uponspecific events. The comments above concerning operations 212 and 216for initiator 110 are incorporated herein by reference for SCSI target151. If buffer space becomes available before completion of transmissionof the data packet information unit, check operation 277 is performed.

In one embodiment of assert streaming request operation 278, an activeauxiliary data streaming signal is driven on line 160, i.e., an activesignal is generated, to signal initiator 110 that a new header packetinformation unit will be sent upon completion of the data packetinformation unit transmission. Conversely, if the old header packetinformation unit is to be used by initiator 110, the auxiliarydatastreaming signal on line 160 is held inactive by target 151 so thatin either situation, target 151 generates a signal on line 160. In thisembodiment, line 160 is the first parity line, i.e., line P0, in SCSIbus 150. Line P0 is not utilized by the Packetized SCSI Protocol and sois available for use by this invention.

When SCSI target 151 completes transmission of the data packetinformation unit, check operation 216A (FIG. 2B) transfers to streamingcheck operation 218A. If the auxiliary data streaming signal isinactive, check operation 216A transfers to transmit data IU operation220A that in turn initiates transfer of another data packet informationunit on SCSI bus 150. Conversely, if the auxiliary data-streaming signalis active, check operation 216A transfers to transmit header IUoperation 222A that in turn initiates transfer of another header packetinformation unit on SCSI bus 150 and then transfers to transmit data IUoperation 220A.

When initiator 110 receives the complete data packet information unit,check operation 216(FIG. 2A) transfers to streaming check operation 218with the SCSI bus phase being the Data In phase. Initiator 110determines the signal level on line 160 in check operation 218. If thesignal level indicates that another header packet information unit isgoing to be transmitted by SCSI target 151, e.g., the signal level isactive in this embodiment, check operation transfers to receive headerIU operation 222, and otherwise to receive data IU operation 220.

In receive header IU operation 222, initiator 110 receives anotherheader packet information unit while SCSI bus 150 remains in the Data Inphase. Upon receipt of the header packet information unit, operation 222transfers to operation 220, which configures initiator 110 to receivethe data packet information unit for the new header packet and thentransfers to operations 212 through 218, which are repeated asappropriate.

If check operation 218 simply transfers to receive data IU operation220, initiator 110 is configured to receive another data packetinformation unit that is defined by the header packet information unitalready received. Operation 220 then transfers to operations 212 through218, which are repeated as appropriate. If it is not necessary to changethe header data packet information unit, this process results in apluraltiy of data packet information units being transmitted one afteranother.

Hence, the use of the auxiliary data streaming signal permits streamingduring a Data In phase, e.g., a read operation, and more importantlypermits streaming data packets having different characteristics withoutleaving the Data In phase. Consequently, the performance of thePacketized SCSI Protocol is significantly enhanced.

In another embodiment of this invention, streaming from an initiator toa target using the Packetized SCSI Protocol is further enhanced by thetarget providing flow control information to the initiator, which theinitiator in turn uses to utilize the host system I/O bus moreefficiently and/or to utilize resources of the initiator moreefficiently. FIG. 3A is a process flow diagram for one embodiment of theoperations performed by an intitiator flow control module 185 in SCSIinitiator 110, which typically is a host adapter integrated circuit.FIG. 3B illustrates a process flow diagram for the operations performedby flow control module 186 in target 151. Operations in FIG. 3B that arecomplementary to operations in FIG. 3A have the same numeric referencenumber and an added “A.” Herein, only the operations in the PacketizedSCSI Protocol needed to understand the invention are described. Asindicated above, the Packetized SCSI Protocol is well known to those ofskill.

In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the parts of the Packetized SCSI Protocol necessaryto configure SCSI initiator 110 and SCSI target 151 for a writeoperation have been performed prior to start operation 302 when SCSItarget 151 enters data in operation 304A and changes the SCSI bus phaseto Data In. In initiator 110, data in operation 304 transfers to receiveheader IU operation 306.

As previously described upon SCSI target 151 configuring SCSI bus 150 inthe Data In phase in data in operation 304A, SCSI target 151 transmits aheader packet information unit, in transmit header IU operation 306A, toinitiator 110. Upon completion of transmitting the header packetinformation unit, processing transfers to data out operation 308A inwhich the SCSI bus phase is changed to Data Out.

In receive header IU operation 306, control flow module 185 receives theheader packet information unit and configures initiator 110 to transmita data packet information unit to target 151 and transfers to transmitdata IU operation 310. If the phase of SCSI bus 150 changes before thecomplete data packet information unit is transmitted by initiator 110,initiator 110 continues according to the Packetized SCSI Protocol. Thisis represented in FIG. 3A by data out check operation 312, whichtransfers to continue operation 314 if the phase of SCSI bus 150 isother than Data Out, and otherwise to data IU complete check operation316.

After changing the phase of SCSI bus 150 to Data Out, target flowcontrol module 186 transitions to receive data IU operation 310A inwhich target 151 is configured to receive the data packet informationunit from initiator 110. After initiating receipt of the data packetinformation unit in receive data IU operation 310A, target 151 transfersto data out check operation 312A.

If the phase of SCSI bus 150 changes before the complete data packetinformation unit is received by target 151, target 151 also continuesaccording to the Packetized SCSI Protocol. This is represented in FIG.3B by data out check operation 312A, which transfers to continueoperation 314A if the phase of SCSI bus 150 is other than Data Out, andotherwise to flow control check operation 320A. If target 151 determinesthat target 151 is going to discontinue data streaming from initiator110 upon receipt of the complete current data packet information unit,target flow control module 186 transfers processing to set flow controloperation 324A, which in turn asserts an active flow control signal online 160 of SCSI bus 150 and transfers to data out check operation 312A.In this embodiment, line 160 also is the first parity line, i.e., lineP0, in SCSI bus 150.

Conversely, if target 151 is going to continue data streaming frominitiator after receipt of the current data packet information unit,flow control check operation transfers to data IU complete checkoperation 316A. In this case, the flow control signal on line 160remains inactive. If target has received a complete data packetinformation unit, check operation 316A transfers to stream checkoperation 318A and otherwise to data out check operation 312A.

Operations 312A, 320A and 316A, as presented in FIG. 3B, are notintended to indicate that target continually polls the SCSI bus phase inoperation 312A, polls to determine whether to initiate flow control inoperation 320A, and polls the completion status of the data transfer inoperation 316A, although this could be done. In particular, SCSI target151 typically does not continuously loop through operations 312A, 320A,and 316A, but rather acts upon specific events. In this embodiment ofthe invention, three events are of interest, the phase of the SCSI bus,whether to assert the flow control signal, and the completion status ofthe data packet information unit transfer. When any one of these eventshappens, target 151 takes the indicated action. Otherwise, target 151continues to receive data from initiator 110.

Operations 312A, 320A and 316A, thus, show the actions taken when thedescribed event occurs. The particular way these operations areimplemented is not essential to this invention. The important aspect isthat target 151 signals initiator 110 whether to prefetch data from hostsystem 100 while receiving the data packet information unit.

Returning to the operation of initiator flow control module 185 (FIG.3A), after initiating transmission of the data packet information unitin transmit data IU operation 310, initiator 110 transfers to data outcheck operation 312.

If the phase of SCSI bus 150 changes before the complete data packetinformation unit is transmitted by initiator 110, initiator alsocontinues according to the Packetized SCSI Protocol. This is representedin FIG. 3A by data out check operation 312, which transfers to continueoperation 314 if the phase of SCSI bus 150 is other than Data Out, andotherwise to flow control check operation 320. If target 151 assertedthe signal on line 160, operation 320 transfers to data IU completecheck operation 316 and otherwise to flow control operation 324.

In one embodiment in flow control operation 324, initiator 110prefetches data over I/O bus 101 from host system 100 so that initiator110 can continue to steam data to target 151. Conversely, if target 151has driven an active signal on line 160, initiator 110 does not prefetchdata from host system 100. Consequently, data is prefetched only if thedata can be streamed to the target.

In another embodiment in flow control operation 324, if target 151 hasdriven an active signal on line 160, initiator 110 can prepare for theend of this data transmission and any subsequent action.

For this process to completely eliminate unnecessary prefetching, target151 must make the determination upon whether to continue data streamingas early as possible. For example, if the length of the data paththrough initiator 110 is one Kbyte, preferably, target 151 asserts thesignal on line 160 prior to initiating the sequence of request signalsREQs on bus 150 to transfer the last one Kbyte of the current datapacket information unit. However, even if target 151 asserts the signalto indicate that data streaming is to be discontinued after the currentdata packet information unit sometime before receipt of the completedata packet information unit, initiator 100 prefetches less data than inthe prior art, and so this invention still improves host I/O busutilization relative to the prior art that did not discontinueprefetching data until the SCSI bus phase changed from Data Out.

The circuitry for configuring the SCSI bus phases, and for transmittingand receiving information unit according to the Packetized SCSI Protocolis similar to that used in the prior art, and so is not consideredfurther. The control and reading of the signal level on line 160 ispreferably done using a hardware circuit. If a target utilizes statemachines to perform the Packetized SCSI Protocol, the state machines arechanged to include the additional operations shown in the Figures toimplement the features of this invention. The particular hardwarecircuitry used to drive and read the signal levels on line 160 is notessential to this invention so long as the circuitry provides the signallevels as described herein.

This application is related to the following copending, commonly filed,and commonly assigned U.S. Patent Applications, each of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety:

1. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/745,105, entitled “A METHOD ANDSTRUCTURE FOR SUPPORTING DATA STREAMING BY A SCSI TARGET DURING THE DATAIN PHASE OF THE PACKETIZED SCSI PROTOCOL,” of B. Arlen Young filed onDec. 20, 2000;

2. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/745,105, entitled “A METHOD ANDSYSTEM FOR DATA STREAMING DURING THE DATA IN PHASE OF THE PACKETIZEDSCSI PROTOCOL,” of B. Arlen Young filed on Dec. 20, 2000;

3. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/745,036, entitled “A METHOD ANDSTRUCTURE FOR SUPPORTING FLOW CONTROL BY A SCSI TARGET DURING THE DATAOUT PHASE OF THE PACKETIZED SCSI PROTOCOL,” of B. Arlen Young filed onDec. 20, 2000;

4. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/745,035, entitled “A METHOD ANDSTRUCTURE FOR SUPPORTING FLOW CONTROL BY A SCSI INITIATOR DURING THEDATA OUT PHASE” filed on Dec. 20, 2000; and

5. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/745,034, entitled “A METHOD ANDFOR FLOW CONTROL DURING THE DATA OUT PHASE OF THE PACKETIZED SCSIPROTOCOL,” of B. Arlen Young on Dec, 20, 200.

I claim:
 1. A method for supporting data streaming by a SCSI initiatorusing a Packetized SCSI Protocol, said method comprising: receiving adata packet information unit in a Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phaseby said SCSI initiator; and receiving a signal from a parity signal lineof a SCSI bus by said SCSI initiator in said Packetized SCSI ProtocolData In phase to indicate whether a header packet information unit oranother data packet information unit is to be received next in saidPacketized SCSI Protocol Data In phase.
 2. The method of claim 1 whereinsaid receiving a signal further comprises: interpreting an assertedsignal from said parity signal line to indicate said header packetinformation unit is to be received next in said Packetized SCSI ProtocolData In phase.
 3. A method comprising: receiving a header packetinformation unit by a SCSI initiator in a Packetized SCSI Protocol DataIn phase; receiving a plurality of data packet information units, oneimmediately after another, by said SCSI initiator in said PacketizedSCSI Protocol Data In phase; and determining whether a signal on a SCSIhub line has been asserted during said Packetized SCSI Protocol Data Inphase to indicate transmission of another header packet information unitin said Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase.
 4. The method of claim 3further comprising: receiving said another header packet informationunit by said SCSI initiator in said Packetized SCSI Protocol Data Inphase upon determining said signal has been asserted.
 5. The method ofclaim 4 further comprising: receiving another data packet informationunit by said SCSI initiator in said Packetized SCSI Protocol Data Inphase following receipt of said another header packet information unit.6. A method comprising: receiving a header packet information unit in aPacketized SCSI Protocol Data In phase; receiving a data packetinformation unit in said Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase; anddetermining whether another header packet information unit or anotherdata packet information unit is to be received next in said PacketizedSCSI Protocol Data In phase wherein said determining further comprises:interpreting an asserted signal, on a SCSI bus line during saidPacketized SCSI Protocol Data In phase, to indicate transmission of saidanother header packet information unit in said Packetized SCSI ProtocolData In phase.
 7. The method of claim 6 further comprising: receivingsaid another header packet information unit by a SCSI initiator in saidPacketized SCSI Protocol Data In phase.
 8. The method of claim 6 furthercomprising: receiving said another data packet information unit by aSCSI initiator in said Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase upondetermining not to receive said another header packet information unit.9. A SCSI initiator device comprising: a read streaming moduleconfigured to perform a method comprising: receiving a data packetinformation unit in a Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase; andreceiving said a signal from a parity signal line of a SCSI bus in saidPacketized SCSI Protocol Data In phase to indicate whether a headerpacket information unit or another data packet information unit is to bereceived next in said Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase.
 10. TheSCSI initiator device of claim 9 wherein said receiving a signal furthercomprises: interpreting an asserted signal from said parity signal lineto indicate said header packet information unit is to be received nextin said Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase.
 11. A SCSI initiatordevice comprising: a read streaming module configured to perform amethod comprising: receiving a data packet information unit in aPacketized SCSI Protocol Data In phase; and receiving a signal in saidPacketized SCSI Protocol Data In phase to indicate whether a headerpacket information unit or another data packet information unit is to bereceived next in said Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase, whereinsaid receiving a signal further comprises: interpreting an assertedsignal, on a line of a SCSI bus, to indicate said header packetinformation unit is to be received next in said Packetized SCSI ProtocolData In phase.
 12. A SCSI initiator device comprising: a read streamingmodule configured to perform a method comprising: receiving a headerpacket information unit in a Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase;receiving a data packet information unit in said Packetized SCSIProtocol Data In phase; determining whether to receive another headerpacket information unit or another data packet information unit in saidPacketized SCSI Protocol Data In phase; and interpreting an asserted asignal on a SCSI bus line, during said Packetized SCSI Protocol Data Inphase, to indicate said another header packet information unit is to bereceived next in said Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase.
 13. TheSCSI initiator device of claim 12, said method further comprising:receiving said another header packet information unit in said PacketizedSCSI Protocol Data In phase.
 14. The SCSI initiator device of claim 12said method further comprising: receiving said another data packetinformation unit in said Packetized SCSI Protocol Data In phase.